NEW YORK SCENE: 4 MUST-VISIT ROOFTOP LOUNGES
Whether you’ve spent a long day walking a trade show floor, sitting in a stifling office, or standing in the middle of a store, you’ll be ready to end the workday at these remarkably relaxing spots for drinking, dining, and de-stressing!
1. THE SKYLARK: This gorgeous getaway nestled 30 floors above the hustle and bustle of midtown, developed by nightlife impesario David Rabin, offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with spectacular views of the city. Equally dazzling are such summery cocktails (by mixologist Johnny Swet) as the Key Lime Swizzle, the Caramelized Pineapple Mojito, and King Kong Capirinha, all of which pair well with such truly tempting bites as shrimp and corn beignets, tuna wonton tacos, and, wait for it, mac and cheese cupcakes. Yum! (200 West 39th Street. 212-257-4577).
2. MONARCH ROOFTOP LOUNGE: This three-year-old hotspot, featuring 5,000 square feet of both interior and exterior space, would be worth a visit just for its bird’s-eye view of the nearby Empire State Building. But you’ll want to sit (or stand) awhile. How else can you sample mixologist Genesse DeBeaux’s heavenly creations, such as the Lychee Peachee, Red in Bed or Mexican Sunset, which go perfectly with chef Daniel Billheimer’s luscious light fare, which ranges from lobster rolls and crab cakes to green pea hummus and a variety of flatbreads. It’s an experience fit for any urban king or queen. (71 West 35th Street. 212-630-9993).
3. GALLOW GREEN: The Garden of Eden is no myth; it exists right here in New York on the roof of the mysterious McKittrick Hotel (home of the theatrical phenomenon Sleep No More). After you settle into this tranquil tree-filled aerie, you’ll be tempted to indulge in the fruit of the vine (as well as large selection of beers and specialty cocktails). If your taste buds are tingling, fear not. There are many delicious dinner options, ranging from Caesar salad and heirloom carrots to crispy suckling pig and charred octopus. (542 West 27th Street. 212-564-1662).
4. BRYANT PARK GRILL ROOFTOP: Odds are if you live in Gotham (or have visited more then once), you’ve already been to the Bryant Park Grill, one of midtown’s prettiest (if priciest) eateries. But you probably went without ever knowing what’s right above your head. You enter the rooftop bar through a stairway in the back, and in just seconds, you feel like you’re above the clouds (not to mention above the crowds). And whether you’re a single come to mingle or a part of a group who want to dine, being perched atop this oasis will make the day’s troubles feel very far away. (25 West 40th Street. 212-768-4242).
